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Development of biomarkers for the internal exposure to the secondary plant metabolite estragole

Project

Food and consumer protection

This project contributes to the research aim 'Food and consumer protection'. Which funding institutions are active for this aim? What are the sub-aims? Take a look:
Food and consumer protection


Project code: BfR-LMS-08-1322-640
Contract period: 01.03.2016 - 31.12.2016
Purpose of research: Applied research

Estragole (ES) is a secondary plant metabolite present in various spices, medicinal plants and essential oils. ES is genotoxic and carcinogenic in animals. The human risk of ES intake is difficult to assess due to various reasons. For example, the fluctuation of ES levels in different food stuffs hinders a proficient estimation of exposure. The aim of the current project is to develop analytical methods for the determination of two biomarkers of internal exposure. The metabolic activation of ES involves cytochrome P450 (CYP)-catalyzed hydroxylation and subsequent sulfo conjugation to 1'-sulfoxy-ES. The sulfate ester is too reactive for mass spectrometric quantification in biomatrices. However, 1'-sulfoxy-ES forms covalent bonds with amino acid side chains (protein adducts). The concentrations of the ES-adducts in hemoglobin or serum albumin reflect the exposure to ES over several months. An acute intoxication would be better detected by the excretion of mercapturic acids of ES in the urine, which is formed after detoxification of 1'-sulfoxy-ES by glutathione conjugation. Protein adducts and mercapturic acids of ES can be used as biomarkers of internal exposure in future molecular epidemiological studies.

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Subjects

Framework programme

BMEL Frameworkprogramme 2008

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